Like a sitting duck
Meaning
To be in a highly vulnerable and defenseless position, easily targeted or attacked.
Origin
Hunters know that a duck soaring through the sky presents a challenging target, requiring skill and precision to bring down. But a duck resting calmly on the water or land, oblivious to danger, is another matter entirely. Such a bird, immobile and exposed, becomes a "sitting duck"—an effortless target, almost a guaranteed shot. This vivid image of vulnerability from the hunting world quickly transcended its literal roots, becoming a universal metaphor for anyone or anything rendered powerless and easily victimized, a perfect, defenseless mark waiting to be taken.
Examples
- With his car broken down on the highway shoulder, he felt like a sitting duck for any passing trouble.
- The lone soldier in the open field was like a sitting duck for the enemy snipers.